A Tier‑by‑Tier Guide Using U.S. News Rankings and ABA 509 Data

Students with a 3.2 GPA and a 152 LSAT often feel stuck in the middle—competitive for some schools, below the range for others, and unsure where they truly stand. The truth is that your chances vary dramatically depending on the tier of schools you target, and the smartest applicants use U.S. News & World Report rankings alongside ABA 509 disclosures to make informed decisions.

Your numbers don’t define you, but they do shape the strategy.

T‑20 Law Schools: A Significant Reach With a 3.2/152

According to U.S. News & World Report, Top‑20 law schools consistently report:

• Median LSATs in the high‑160s to 170s

• Median GPAs between 3.8 and 3.9

With a 3.2 GPA and a 152 LSAT, you fall below the 25th percentile at every T‑20 school. That places you in the “reach” category for all of them.

What You’d Need to Compete

To be viable at this tier, your application must demonstrate:

• A compelling academic narrative (upward trend, rigorous major, or documented obstacles)

• Exceptional letters of recommendation from professors who can speak to your intellectual ability

• Lived experiences that show resilience, leadership, or mission‑driven purpose

These schools admit students who show extraordinary potential beyond numbers.

A Note for Students With Disabilities

Disclosure is optional and should be strategic. Admissions committees do not admit students because they disclose a disability. Accommodations exist to create a level playing field, not an advantage. If you disclose that you had accommodations and still fall below the 25th percentile, that disclosure will not strengthen your case. Focus instead on your strengths, context, and academic readiness.

T‑50 to T‑100 Schools: Your Chances Improve Considerably

This is where your numbers begin to align with admitted student profiles. Many schools in this range report:

• LSAT medians between 160–166

• GPA medians between 3.4–3.8

Your 3.2/152 puts you close enough that strong essays and recommendations can make a meaningful difference.

Your chances increase further if you can demonstrate:

• A regional connection

• A clear professional goal tied to the school’s strengths

• A thoughtful Why Us essay showing genuine fit

These are still reach schools, but your chances increase, and you can increase them further if you can demonstrate:

• A regional connection

• A clear professional goal tied to the school’s strengths

• A thoughtful Why Us essay showing genuine fit

T‑100 to T‑150 Schools: You Become Competitive

Schools in this tier often report:

• LSAT medians 148–153

• GPA medians 3.0–3.3

Your 152 LSAT becomes an asset.

Below are schools where you’re even more competitive, with rankings included.

Schools Where You’re Competitive

T‑100 to T‑150 Law Schools (NY, NJ, Boston/NE Region)

Where a 3.2 GPA and 152 LSAT Are Competitive Based on ABA 509 Medians

Why These Schools Fit a 3.2 GPA and 152 LSAT

Schools in the 100–150 ranking range typically report:

• LSAT at 25-50th percentile: 148–153

• GPA at 25-50th percentile: 3.0–3.3

Your profile fits squarely within these bands, making these schools:

• Targets rather than reaches

• Realistic options for admission

• Potential scholarship opportunities (especially where your LSAT is above median)

• Stronger investments when paired with solid bar passage and employment outcomes

  
  

Don’t Skip the ABA 509 Disclosures

Rankings don’t tell the whole story. Before you commit to any school, review its ABA 509 report, especially:

Bar Passage Rates

Look for schools at or above the state average. Low bar passage rates are a major red flag.

Employment Outcomes

Prioritize schools with strong:

• JD‑required employment

• JD‑advantage roles

• Full‑time, long‑term placements

This is how you protect your investment.

Part‑Time Programs: A Smart Strategic Option

Part‑time programs often have:

• Lower LSAT medians

• More flexible GPA expectations

• A more holistic review process

Seton Hall, Brooklyn, and Fordham offer part‑time pathways worth considering.

Should You Retake the LSAT?

If you still have time—or if you’re willing to apply early next cycle—a retake can dramatically shift your outcomes.

A jump from 152 to 157 can:

• Move you into T‑50 range

• Increase scholarship offers

• Improve waitlist outcomes

If you’re already waitlisted, a higher score can help you get pulled off.

Bottom Line

A 3.2 GPA and 152 LSAT won’t open every door, but it will open many. Your success depends on:

• Targeting the right tiers

• Reviewing U.S. News rankings and ABA 509 data

• Writing compelling essays

• Demonstrating regional ties

• Considering part‑time programs

• Retaking the LSAT if feasible

Ginsburg Advanced supports students with profiles just like yours every year. With the right strategy, you can absolutely find a law school where you will thrive. Register here for LSAT BOSS masterclasses, video on-demand self study, 1-1 tutoring, admissions advising, or accommodations support today.